Recent content by Hedonologist

Many countries in Europe now have sub-replacement fertility rates. It's good to see larger families are making somewhat of a comeback. Some countries like Japan and Spain will start to struggle soon, I hope those countries manage to reverse the decline.

Do you know anyone else who is also a new dad? It's often a lot easier if you know someone else who recently became a father at the same time as you did. I knew a few people who became fathers at a similar time so I was lucky in that regard.

That's just the way it always has been and always will be. I don't personally approve of encouraging 7 year olds to chase girls, but I suppose before long they wouldn't need encouraging anyway!

How much involvement do the grandparents have with your children? Often families are spread out and grandparents can live many miles away. Do your children get to see their grandparents on a frequent basis?

I only work away from home 2 days per week, so I am very lucky in that regard. I get to spend a lot of time with them and I'm very involved. I suppose that is one of the greatest benefits about being able to work part time at home.

I suppose with the recession, families will grow larger. It is always the case, strange though because I thought it would work the other way around. I think having a large family ensure that your children can support each other better, and there will be mutual prosperity when they are older.

Whenever required by either parent. I've observed that fathers tend to discipline their sons strictly, and daughters less so. Mothers tend to discipline their daughters harshest, and sons less so.

Indeed. I think that too much 'free thinking' and independence is why so many kids are wild these days. Critical thinking is OK. Whilst I want them to be able to reason and think. some things just absolutely won't be tolerated. In all honesty I'm more concerned with my children adopting my...

I remember the long shower phase :P When people asked me why I was spending so long in the shower I just immediately started taking shorter showers, and being more pro-active with the 10 minutes I had there. It's up to you but I don't think any serious talk is necessary, although many fathers...

Cigars are less likely to cause a problem. Whilst they do contain harmful chemicals, it is nowhere near as bad as the stuff found in mass produced cigarettes. I think someone who switched from cigarettes to cigars, will benefit more than someone who goes from cigars to quitting. I do believe in...

The main thing I am doing to keep my kids safe is saving money up to move to a better location. I suppose at the end of the day though, you can run but you can't hide! Almost everywhere is going downhill and you'll always encounter some problems. I am keen on teaching a certain proficiency in...

Haha. Very true! I suppose zinc and vitamin C are the only two things that will seriously boost your chances, unless you have a specific deficiency elsewhere. Having said that I would advise looking into deficiencies if you are having trouble conceiving. Zinc will boost sperm production, and...

Absolutely not. I'll review the film myself before letting them see, and I'll often ask friends of their opinion. I personally don't watch many films and so they don't either. I'd let them see the 007 series quite young but other stuff that is 12 rated I wouldn't permit.

The children didn't ask to be born. I haven't ever felt resentful and don't think I would. Even if they did cause me grief it would be at least somewhat due to my parenting.

I probably do spend too much time on line, especially on my work at home days, but at least then I can leave the house at anytime, which is better than the work-at-workplace days.